TX power level 1 is always maximum power level of access point.
The transmit power level is assigned an integer value instead of a value in mW or dBm. The integer corresponds to a power level that varies depending on the regulatory domain in which the access points are deployed. The number of available power levels varies based on the access point model. However, power level 1 is always the maximum power level allowed per country code setting, with each successive power level representing 50% of the previous power level. For example, 1 = maximum power level in a particular regulatory domain, 2 = 50% power, 3 = 25% power, 4 = 12.5% power, and so on.
In certain cases, Cisco access points support only 7 power levels for certain channels, so that the Cisco Wireless Controller considers the 7th and 8th power levels as the same. If the 8th power level is configured on those channels, the configuration would fail since the controller considers the 7th power level as the lowest acceptable valid power level. These power values are derived based on the regulatory compliance limits and minimum hardware limitation which varies across different Cisco access points. For example, Cisco 3500, 1140, and 1250 series access points allow the configuration of last power levels because those access points report the "per path power" to the controller, whereas all next generation acess points such as Cisco 3700, 3600, 2600, and 1600 series access points report "total power value" to the controller, thereby decreasing the allowed power levels for newer generation products. For example, if the last power level in the 3600E access point has a power value of 4dbm (total power), then it actually means the power value is -2dbm (per path).
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See the hardware installation guide for your access point for the maximum transmit power levels supported per regulatory domain. Also, see data sheet for your access point for the number of power levels supported.
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